Communication protocol for personal computer system human interface devices over a low bandwidth, bi-directional radio frequency link

ABSTRACT

A system and method for maintaining communications with a radio frequency (RF) peripheral device such as an RF input device and an RF output device. A computer may search for an RF peripheral device by transmitting a signal request on available channels until a response is received from an RF peripheral device. If the RF channel becomes busy and/or jammed, the RF peripheral device may tune into a predetermined channel while the computer scans for another channel to use. Once the computer finds a better channel, the computer may go to the predetermined channel and broadcast the new channel location to the RF peripheral device. In addition, if an RF signal arrives incomplete or corrupt, the computer may transmit a negative acknowledgement to the RF peripheral device, which may retransmit the previous RF signal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to managing peripheral deviceusage for a computer system and specifically to maintaining reliablecommunication between a computer system and peripheral devices.

2. Description of the Related Art

Computer systems may use many different types of peripheral devices. Forexample, computer systems may receive input from user input devices suchas, but not limited to, a pointing device, such as a computer mouse, akeyboard, a microphone, a camera, and a joystick. Because managing wiresfrom different user input devices may be cumbersome, the computer systemmay use wireless, e.g., radio frequency (RF), signals to communicatewith the user input device. For example, an RF peripheral device maytransmit an RF signal to a computer system to provide the computersystem with a user's inputs (e.g., mouse movements, keyboard keyspressed, etc.). The RF peripheral device may also receive RF signalsfrom the computer system.

While using the RF signals may allow peripheral devices to communicatewith the computer system without requiring wires, RF signals may havedisadvantages. For example, computer systems may have trouble detectingor establishing a connection with new RF peripheral devices. RF channelsused to transmit RF signals may become busy and/or jammed. In addition,RF signals may be lost, may be incomplete, or may be corrupt whenreceived by the computer system. As a result, computer system programsmay be disrupted because of incomplete or missing user inputs. Currentcomputer system software may not be programmed to adjust to intermittentsignals from an RF peripheral device, and therefore may requireconsistent input despite an intermittent RF environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a computer may comprise or be coupled to a firstradio frequency transmitter/receiver (RFTR). The first RFTR maycommunicate with a second RFTR coupled to an RF peripheral device. Inone embodiment, the first RFTR may establish communications with thesecond RETR using a discovery process and, if needed, reestablishcommunications with the second RFTR using a reunion process.

In one embodiment of the discovery process, the first RFTR may transmita request for all unassociated RF peripheral devices to respond over afirst channel. A micro-controller coupled to the first RFTR maydetermine if a response from the second RFTR is received over the firstchannel. If the response from the second RFTR is not received, the firstRFTR may transmit the request for all unassociated RF peripheral devicesto respond over a second channel and then resume determining if aresponse is received from the second RFTR over the second channel. Inone embodiment, the second RFTR may also tune into one channel afteranother until a connection is established with the first RFTR.

If the first RFTR receives a response from the second RFTR, a wirelessconnection may be established between the first RFTR and the secondRFTR. In one embodiment, if the second RFTR responds, a computer mayform an association with the RF peripheral devices coupled to the secondRFTR, assign the RF peripheral device an address, and enumerate thecapabilities of the RF peripheral device.

Communications between the first RFTR and the second RFTR may beinterrupted. In one embodiment, the micro-controller coupled to thecomputer may determine if an expected data packet (i.e., in acommunication from the second RFTR) is not received, an incomplete datapacket is received, or a corrupt data packet is received from the secondRFTR. The first RFTR may then transmit a negative acknowledgment (NAK)to the second RFTR to indicate that the second RFTR needs to resend thelast data packet. In one embodiment, the first RFTR may transmit arequest to the second RFTR to have the RF peripheral device resend thelast data packet. The second RFTR may then resend the last data packetto the first RFTR.

In one embodiment of the reunion process, if the current channel beingused by the first RFTR and the second RFTR becomes jammed for anextended period of time and communications need to be reestablished, thesecond RFTR may go to a pre-determined channel and wait for instructionsor for a third channel location from the first RFTR. In one embodiment,the second RFTR may have the pre-determined channel location in memoryto tune into in case communications with the first RFTR is discontinuedon a current channel. In another embodiment, the first RFTR may transmita channel to the second RFTR to tune into to wait for furtherinstructions.

In one embodiment, the first RFTR may continue to tune into differentchannels until a usable channel (e.g., a clear and relatively inactivechannel) is found. In one embodiment, when the first RFTR finds a usablechannel, the first RFTR may return to the pre-determined channel andtransmit the third channel location (i.e., the usable channel location)to the second RFTR. In one embodiment, the first RFTR may not be able tofind a clear channel. Instead, the first RFTR may have to determine thebest channel available. In one embodiment, the first RFTR may pick achannel that is clearer/more inactive than the previous channel thefirst RFTR was using.

In one embodiment, the first RFTR may tune into the third channel aftertransmitting the third channel location to the second RFTR. The firstRFTR may transmit a request for the second RFTR to respond over thethird channel. Communications may be established with the second RFTRover the third channel once the second RFTR response has been receivedover the third channel. In one embodiment, communications may bereestablished with the second RFTR without requesting that the secondRFTR respond on the third channel. For example, the first RFTR mayassume that the second RFTR tuned into the third channel until the firstRFTR gets an indication that the second RFTR has not tuned into thethird channel (e.g., a lack of response from the second RFTR).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the present invention may be obtained when thefollowing detailed description is considered in conjunction with thefollowing drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a computer system with an RF peripheral device,according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a computer and an RF peripheraldevice, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method for discovering an RFperipheral device, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method for managing interruptions incommunication with an RF peripheral device, according to one embodiment;and

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method for reestablishing aconnection with an RF peripheral device, according to one embodiment;and

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method for reestablishingcommunications with an RF peripheral device, according to oneembodiment.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way ofexample in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should beunderstood, however, that the drawings and detailed description theretoare not intended to limit the invention to the particular formdisclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a computer system with a computerand an RF peripheral device. In various embodiments, the RF peripheraldevice may include a wireless input device such as, but not limited to,an RF pointing device, such as an RF computer mouse 105, an RF keyboard107, an RF camera 159, an RF joystick 155, an RF gamepad 153, an RFtouchscreen 151 or an RF microphone 157. Embodiments of the RFperipheral devices described herein may also be used with wirelessoutput devices, such as an RF speaker, an RF display 101, and an RFprinter. Other RF peripheral devices are also contemplated. In oneembodiment, a computer 102 may have a processor/memory housing 103. Inone embodiment, the computer 102 may communicate with the RF peripheraldevice through a peripheral base station 109 coupled to theprocessor/memory housing 103.

In one embodiment, RF signals may be transmitted between the computer102 and the RF peripheral devices communicably coupled to the computer102. For example, RF computer mouse movements may be transmitted to thecomputer 102 to control a cursor and keystrokes may be transmitted fromthe RF keyboard 107 to the computer 102 to provide user typedcharacters. Other input is also contemplated. As another example, outputmay be transmitted to the RF display 101 to display an image on the RFdisplay 101. In one embodiment, the computer 102 may communicate withmultiple RF peripheral devices on one channel. For example, adjacentcomputers may each use a separate channel to communicate with therespective computer's RF peripheral devices. Other channel usage is alsocontemplated. In one embodiment, the RF peripheral device maycommunicate with the computer 102 through a bit stream relayedhalf-duplex communication using a frequency shift keying (FSK) RF link.Other communication forms are also contemplated.

FIG. 2: Block Diagram of a Computer System and an RF Peripheral Device

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a computer systemwith an RF peripheral device. The computer system 215 may comprise acomputer 213 coupled to a micro-controller 209 through a universalserial bus (USB) interface 211. In one embodiment, the micro-controller209 may have a micro-processor and a first memory with instructionsexecutable by the micro-processor. In one embodiment, a processor, suchas a central processing unit (CPU), and the first memory, such as, butnot limited to, a random access memory (RAM) or hard disk memory, may beused in place of the micro-controller 209. Other processors and othermemories are also contemplated. The first memory may have instructionsexecutable by the micro-processor to control a first radio frequencytransmitter/receiver (RFTR) such as, but not limited to, a first bulkcomplementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) transceiver 207. In oneembodiment, the first RFTR and the micro-controller 209 may be locatedin the peripheral base station 109 (see FIG. 1) coupled to the computer213 and use modulation and demodulation of RF signals for communication.In one embodiment, the first RFTR and the micro-controller 209 may belocated in the processor/memory housing 103.

In one embodiment, the RF peripheral device 217 may have a second RFTRsuch as, but not limited to, a bulk CMOS transceiver 205 for receivingand transmitting configuration information to the first bulk CMOStransceiver 207 coupled to the computer 213. The second RFTR may becoupled to a micro-controller 203. In one embodiment, themicro-controller 203 may have a micro-processor and a second memory withinstructions executable by the micro-processor. The RF peripheral device217 may use various sensors and switches 201 to gather information fromthe user for transmitting to the computer 213. For example, an RFcomputer mouse may have an X direction sensor and a Y direction sensorfor detecting user input movement. Other sensors and switches are alsocontemplated. In addition, while the block diagram shows an embodimentwith sensors and switches 201, other sources for inputs and outputs arealso contemplated. For example, the computer 213 may send outputinformation to an RF speaker.

FIG. 3: Flowchart for Discovering an RF Peripheral Device

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for discovering an RFperipheral device. It should be noted that in various embodiments of themethods described below, one or more of the steps described may beperformed concurrently, in a different order than shown, or may beomitted entirely. Other additional steps may also be performed asdesired.

In 301, the first RFTR may transmit a request for the second RFTR torespond over a first channel. For example, the first RFTR may transmit arequest for all unassociated RF peripheral devices to respond (e.g., RFperipheral devices currently being used with another computer may notrespond) over the first channel. In one embodiment, the first RFTR maysend a request for specific RF peripheral devices to respond. Forexample, the first RFTR transmit a request that all unassociated RFkeyboards respond. The first RFTR may then transmit a request that allunassociated computer mouses respond. Other devices and requests arealso contemplated.

In 303, a micro-controller may determine if a response from the secondRFTR was received.

In 305, if the response from the second RFTR was not received over thefirst channel, the first RFTR may transmit the request for the secondRFTR to respond over a second channel. The method may then continue at303 until a second RFTR response is received. In one embodiment, thesecond RFTR may also tune into one channel after another until aconnection is established. In one embodiment, the second RFTR may tuneinto clear and inactive channels or may tune into a pre-determinedstartup channel. Other channels are also contemplated.

In one embodiment, the first RFTR may send proxy signals to the computerat start-up to represent standard peripheral devices, such as, but notlimited to, a computer mouse and a keyboard, regardless of whether theRF peripheral devices have actually been discovered yet. In oneembodiment, the computer may be expecting the existence of standardperipheral devices before the micro-controller has actually located thestandard peripheral devices. The second RFTR may continue the process at303 until the standard peripheral devices have been discovered. Sendingproxy signals for other RF peripheral devices are also contemplated.

In 307, if the response is received from the second RFTR, a wirelessconnection may be established between the first RFTR and the secondRFTR. In one embodiment, if an RF peripheral device responds through thesecond RFTR, the computer may form associations with the responding RFperipheral device, assign the RF peripheral device an address, andenumerate the capabilities of the RF peripheral device. For example, theRF peripheral device may be assigned a device identification (ID) andhave a host ID transmitted to it. The RF peripheral device may thenbecome part of a “pico-net” of associated RF peripheral devices and thecomputer. Other actions by the computer corresponding to the RFperipheral device response are also contemplated.

In one embodiment, as the RF peripheral device communicates with thecomputer and vice-versa, the device ID and the host ID may be used bythe RF peripheral device and the computer respectively. The computer mayonly respond to RF peripheral device communications that contain thedevice ID. Similarly, in one embodiment, the RF peripheral device mayonly respond to communications from the computer that contains the hostID. In another embodiment, communications between the device may use theID of the device or computer being communicated with. For example, theRF peripheral device may only respond to communications that contain theRF peripheral devices ID, and the computer may only respond tocommunications that contain the host ID. In one embodiment, the RFperipheral device and the computer may communicate in a polled fashion.For example, the computer may transmit data to or request data from theRF peripheral device.

In one embodiment, if multiple RF peripheral devices of a similar typerespond, the computer may instruct a user to use the particular RFperipheral device he/she intends to use. For example, if multiple RFkeyboards respond, the computer may instruct the user to strike any keyon the RF keyboard the user intends to use. The computer may then beable to establish communications with the RF peripheral device thatsends input at the time of the request for the user to use the RFperipheral device. Other methods of identifying the correct RFperipheral device to connect to are also within the scope of theinvention.

In one embodiment, because communication with the RF peripheral devicesmay be intermittent, the micro-controllers for the computer and the RFperipheral device may need to maximize data transmission efficiency. Forexample, the micro-controllers may minimize overhead (i.e., standardinformation used to identify transmitted information) in high levelprotocol of communication data payloads (i.e., containing theinformation to transmit) used to communicate. The micro-controllers mayalso minimize overhead of the packet definitions used for informationtransmitted by the RF peripheral devices. For example, a minimizedcommand (CMD) packet, a minimized OUT packet, a minimized datagram (DGM)packet, and a minimized data (DAT) packet may use a header block, apayload block, and cyclic redundancy code (CRC). A minimized IN packet,a minimized acknowledgement (ACK) packet, a minimized negativeacknowledgement (NAK) packet, and a minimized error (ERR) packet may usea header block and CRC. In one embodiment, the header may include blocksincluding, but not limited to, a three bit packet identifier (Pid)block, a three bit human interface device (HID) address block, a two bitendpoint address (Ndp) block, a one bit sequence toggle (Seq) block, aone bit end of transfer (Eot) block, a four bit payload length (Len)block, and a two bit reserved (Rsrv) block. In one embodiment, thepayload may include, but is not limited to, eight bit payload data byteblocks. In one embodiment, the payload may include up to 16 payload databyte blocks. Other payloads, blocks, and block sizes are alsocontemplated.

FIG. 4: Flowchart for Managing Interruptions in Communication with an RFPeripheral Device

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for managinginterruptions in communication with an RF peripheral device. It shouldbe noted that in various embodiments of the methods described below, oneor more of the steps described may be performed concurrently, in adifferent order than shown, or may be omitted entirely. Other additionalsteps may also be performed as desired.

In 401 and 403, the micro-controller may determine if an expected datapacket (i.e., a communication from the second RFTR) is not received, anincomplete data packet is received, or a corrupt data packet is receivedfrom the second RFTR. For example, interference on a channel used by thefirst RFTR and the second RFTR to communicate may occasionally interrupta data packet sent between the first RFTR and the second RFTR. In 403,if no interruption in communication is detected, the micro-controllermay continue displaying at 401.

In 405, the first RFTR coupled to the computer may transmit a negativeacknowledgment (NAK) to the second RFTR to indicate that the second RFTRneeds to resend the last data packet. In one embodiment, the first RFTRmay transmit a request to the second RFTR to have the RF peripheraldevice resend the last data packet. Other methods of indicating to thesecond RFTR to resend the last data packet are also contemplated.

In 407, the second RFTR may resend the last data packet to the firstRFTR. In one embodiment, the first RFTR may send proxy signals to thecomputer while waiting for the data packet to be resent by the secondRFTR. Other uses of proxy signals are also contemplated. Because thecomputer may receive proxy signals at start-up and may receive proxysignals when communications with the second RFTR are interrupted, thecomputer may not be aware of interruptions in communications. In otherwords, the computer may not require additional software to use the RFperipheral devices.

FIG. 5: Flowchart for Reestablishing Communications with an RFPeripheral Device

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of an embodiment of a method forreestablishing communications with an RF peripheral device. It should benoted that in various embodiments of the methods described below, one ormore of the steps described may be performed concurrently, in adifferent order than shown, or may be omitted entirely. Other additionalsteps may also be performed as desired.

In 501, a first RFTR may transmit a third channel location to the secondRFTR. In one embodiment, the second RFTR may have a pre-determinedchannel location in memory to tune into in case communications with thefirst RFTR is discontinued on a current channel. For example, if thecurrent channel being used by the first RFTR and the second RFTR becomesjammed (e.g., becomes active with other communications) for an extendedperiod of time, the second RFTR may go to a pre-determined channel andwait for instructions or a third channel location from the first RFTR.In one embodiment, the first RFTR may transmit a channel for the secondRFTR to tune into to wait for further instructions. Other instructionsfor the second RFTR are also contemplated. In one embodiment, the firstRFTR may continue to tune into different channels until a clear andrelatively inactive channel is found. In one embodiment, when the firstRFTR finds a usable channel, the first RFTR may return to thepre-determined channel and transmit the third channel location (i.e.,the usable channel location). In one embodiment, the first RFTR may notbe able to find a clear channel. The first RFTR may have to determinethe best channel available. In one embodiment, the first RFTR may onlypick a channel that is clearer/more inactive than the previous channelthe first RFTR was using.

In 503, the first RFTR may tune into the third channel.

In 505, the first RFTR may transmit a request for the second RFTR torespond over the third channel to insure that the second RFTR made atransition from using the predetermined channel to the third channel.

In 507, communications may be established with the second RFTR over thethird channel once the second RFTR response has been received over thethird channel. In one embodiment, communications may be established withthe second RFTR without requesting that the second RFTR respond on thethird channel. In one embodiment, a micro-controller coupled to thefirst RFTR may send proxy signals to the computer to represent the RFperipheral device until communications with the RF peripheral device canbe reestablished. In one embodiment, the first RFTR may assume that thesecond RFTR tuned into the third channel until the first RFTR gets anindication that the second RFTR did not tune into the third channel(e.g., a lack of response from the second RFTR).

FIG. 6: Alternate Flowchart for Reestablishing Communications with an RFPeripheral Device

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate flowchart of an embodiment of a methodfor reestablishing communications with an RF peripheral device. Itshould be noted that in various embodiments of the methods describedbelow, one or more of the steps described may be performed concurrently,in a different order than shown, or may be omitted entirely. Otheradditional steps may also be performed as desired.

In 601, an RF peripheral device may cycle through available channels. Inone embodiment, the RF peripheral device may sequence through availablechannels trying to detect communications from the computer. For example,the RF peripheral device and the computer may be able to communicateover eight available channels. In one embodiment, the RF peripheraldevice may only be able to communicate over fewer available channels. Inone embodiment, the RF peripheral device may recognize communicationsfrom the computer because of a host ID in the communications (e.g., ahost ID in a packet header).

In 603, a computer may cycle through available clear channelsbroadcasting a reunion request. In one embodiment the computer may cyclethrough available clear channels at substantially the same time as theRF peripheral device sequences through available channels.

In 605, the RF peripheral device may detect a communication from thecomputer. For example, the RF peripheral device may detect acommunication with a host ID. In one embodiment, the communication fromthe computer may be the broadcast reunion request.

In 607, the RF peripheral device may transmit an acknowledgment to thecomputer.

In 609, communications between the RF peripheral device and the computermay resume.

Other embodiments of reestablishing communication are also contemplated.For example, the second RFTR may search for a new channel (i.e., thirdchannel) to use and transmit the new channel location to the first RFTRwhen the new channel has been found. In one embodiment, themicro-controllers for the RF peripheral device and the computer may beprogrammed to scan available channels in a particular order. Forexample, the micro-controllers may switch to a fourth channel for apre-determined time period and attempt to reestablish communications. Ifunsuccessful in reestablishing communications, the micro-controllers mayswitch to a fifth channel for a pre-determined time period, and so on.

Various embodiments may further include receiving or storinginstructions and/or information implemented in accordance with theforegoing description upon a carrier medium. Suitable carrier media mayinclude storage media or memory media such as magnetic or optical media,e.g., disk or CD-ROM, random access memory or other memory, as well astransmission media or RF signals such as electrical, electromagnetic, ordigital RF signals, conveyed via a communication medium such as anetwork and/or a wireless link.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects ofthe invention may be apparent to those skilled in the art in view ofthis description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed asillustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled inthe art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It is to beunderstood that the forms of the invention shown and described hereinare to be taken as the presently preferred embodiments. Elements andmaterials may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein,parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features of theinvention may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to oneskilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of theinvention. Changes may be made in the elements described herein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in thefollowing claims.

1. A computer system, comprising: a processor; a first radio frequencytransmitter/receiver (RFTR) coupled to the processor; a peripheraldevice comprising a second RFTR configured to transmit a radio frequency(RF) signal, wherein the first RFTR and the second RFTR are operable tocommunicate in a wireless fashion; a memory coupled to the processor andconfigured to store program instructions executable to: transmit arequest using the first RFTR for a second RFTR response over a firstchannel; and transmit the request using the first RFTR for the secondRFTR response over a second channel if the second RFTR response is notreceived by the first RFTR.
 2. The computer system of claim 1, whereinthe program instructions are further executable to transmit a signal tothe processor on computer start-up to represent the peripheral devicebefore the second RFTR response is received by the first RFTR.
 3. Thecomputer system of claim 1, wherein the program instructions are furtherexecutable to establish a wireless connection with the second RFTR ifthe second RFTR response is received.
 4. The computer system of claim 1,wherein the second RFTR is operable to scan available channels until thesecond RFTR receives the request for the second RFTR response from thefirst RFTR.
 5. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the peripheraldevice is a computer mouse, a keyboard, a touchscreen, a gamepad, ajoystick, a microphone, or a camera.
 6. The computer system of claim 1,wherein the processor is part of a micro-controller coupled to the firstRFTR.
 7. A computer system, comprising: a processor; a first radiofrequency transmitter/receiver (RFTR) coupled to the processor; aperipheral device comprising a second RFTR configured to transmit an RFsignal, wherein the first RFTR and the second RFTR are operable tocommunicate in a wireless fashion; a memory coupled to the processor andconfigured to store program instructions executable to: identify if thefirst RFTR has not received an expected data packet from the secondRFTR, has received a partial data packet from the second RFTR, or hasreceived a corrupt data packet from the second RFTR; and transmit fromthe second RFTR the expected data packet or an original data packet thatwas a source of the partial data packet or the corrupt data packet. 8.The computer system of claim 7, wherein the program instructions arefurther executable to transmit a negative acknowledgement to the secondRFTR if the expected data packet is not received from the second RFTR,the partial data packet is received from the second RFTR, or the corruptdata packet is received from the second RFTR.
 9. The computer system ofclaim 7, wherein the program instructions are further executable totransmit a request to the second RFTR to resend the original data packetif the expected data packet is not received from the second RFTR, thepartial data packet is received from the second RFTR, or the corruptdata packet is received from the second RFTR.
 10. The computer system ofclaim 7, wherein the first RFTR is operable to send signals to acomputer, comprising the processor and the memory, through a UniversalSerial Bus (USB) connection without the computer becoming aware of aninterruption in RF communication with the peripheral device.
 11. Thecomputer system of claim 7, wherein the peripheral device is a computermouse, a keyboard, a gamepad, a joystick, a microphone, a touchscreen,or a camera.
 12. The computer system of claim 7, wherein the processoris part of a micro-controller coupled to the first RFTR.
 13. A method,comprising: transmitting a request for a second radio frequencytransmitter/receiver (RFTR) response over a first channel; transmittingthe request for the second RFTR response over a second channel if thesecond RFTR response is not received; establishing a wireless connectionbetween a first RFTR and a second RFTR, coupled to a peripheral device,if the second RFTR response is received; and transmitting a signal to aprocessor on computer start-up to represent the peripheral device beforethe second RFTR response is received by the first RFTR.
 14. The methodof claim 13, further comprising: scanning available channels by thesecond RFTR until the second RFTR receives the request for the secondRFTR response.
 15. A computer readable memory medium comprising programinstructions, wherein the program instructions are computer executableto: transmit a request using a first radio frequencytransmitter/receiver (RFTR) for a second RFTR response over a firstchannel, wherein the first RFTR is coupled to a processor, wherein aperipheral device comprises the second RFTR, and wherein the first RFTRand the second RFTR are operable to communicate in a wireless fashion;transmit the request using the first RFTR for the second RFTR responseover a second channel if the second RFTR response is not received by thefirst RFTR; and transmit a signal to the processor on computer start-upto represent the peripheral device before the second RFTR response isreceived by the first RFTR.
 16. The computer readable memory medium ofclaim 15, wherein the program instructions are further executable toestablish a wireless connection with the second RFTR if the second RFTRresponse is received.
 17. The computer readable memory medium of claim15, wherein the second RFTR is operable to scan available channels untilthe second RFTR receives the request for the second RFTR response fromthe first RFTR.
 18. The computer readable memory medium of claim 15,wherein the peripheral device is a computer mouse, a keyboard, atouchscreen, a gamepad, a joystick, a microphone, or a camera.
 19. Acomputer readable memory medium comprising program instructions, whereinthe program instructions are computer executable to: identify if a firstradio frequency transmitter/receiver (RFTR) has not received an expecteddata packet from a second RFTR, has received a partial data packet fromthe second RFTR, or has received a corrupt data packet from the secondRFTR, wherein the first RFTR is coupled to a processor, wherein thesecond RFTR is coupled to a peripheral device, and wherein the firstRFTR and the second RFTR are operable to communicate in a wirelessfashion; and transmit from the second RFTR the expected data packet oran original data packet that was a source of the partial data packet orthe corrupt data packet.
 20. The computer readable memory medium ofclaim 19, wherein the program instructions are further executable totransmit a negative acknowledgement to the second RFTR if the expecteddata packet is not received from the second RFTR, the partial datapacket is received from the second RFTR, or the corrupt data packet isreceived from the second RFTR.
 21. The computer readable memory mediumof claim 19, wherein the program instructions are further executable totransmit a request to the second RFTR to resend the original data packetif the expected data packet is not received from the second RFTR, thepartial data packet is received from the second RFTR, or the corruptdata packet is received from the second RFTR.
 22. The computer readablememory medium of claim 19, wherein the first RFTR is operable to sendsignals to a computer, comprising the processor and a memory, through aUniversal Serial Bus (USB) connection without the computer becomingaware of an interruption in RF communication with the peripheral device.23. The computer readable memory medium of claim 19, wherein theperipheral device is a computer mouse, a keyboard, a gamepad, ajoystick, a microphone, a touchscreen, or a camera.
 24. A computerreadable memory medium comprising program instructions, wherein theprogram instructions are computer executable to: transmit a request fora second radio frequency transmitter/receiver (RFTR) response over afirst channel; transmit the request for the second RFTR response over asecond channel if the second RFTR response is not received; establish awireless connection between a first RFTR and a second RFTR, coupled to aperipheral device, if the second RFTR response is received; and transmita signal to a processor on computer staff-up to represent the peripheraldevice before the second RFTR response is received by the first RFTR.25. The computer readable memory medium of claim 24, wherein the programinstructions are further executable to scan available channels by thesecond RFTR until the second RFTR receives the request for the secondRFTR response.